UConn starting defensive end Jesse Joseph is out for the season after tearing his Achilles' tendon, a big blow to the strong Huskies' defense.
Joseph was hurt against Maryland, and coach Paul Pasqualoni said the team will apply for a medical reshirt because the injury happened in the first three games of the season.
The Huskies are suddenly thin at defensive end. Top backup Teddy Jennings is also lost for the season because of a knee injury. Trevardo Williams mans the other side and already has 4.5 sacks this season. But whoever ends up replacing Joseph will have no starting experience.
Pasqualoni said E.J. Norris, Tim Willman and Kenton Adeyemi will all be in the mix to start. Norris is a true freshman; Adeyemi is a redshirt freshman. Willman has been in the program the longest but has seen limited playing time. Joseph had 12 tackles and a sack this season.
The UConn defense ranks first in the NCAA in tackles for loss, third in total defense, fifth in rushing defense, fifth in pass defense, and third in sacks. We'll see if the Huskies can continue on with their dominant play without one of their best defenders.
